A greener, healthier Gżira: measuring our impact

As part of VARCITIES, each Pilot implemented a portfolio of Visionary Solutions aimed at transforming public spaces into healthier, greener, and more inclusive environments. Through co-creation with local communities and the integration of digital, social, and nature-based innovations, the pilots addressed specific urban challenges related to accessibility, well-being, and sustainability. To understand the effectiveness of these interventions, a comprehensive set of indicators (Key Performance Indicators or KPI) was monitored throughout the project.

The data collected offers valuable insights into the local impact of the solutions implemented, helping to inform future urban development strategies both within and beyond our Pilot.

This is our impact in Gżira!

Increased urban biodiversity

Two school sites were transformed with indigenous planting schemes, introducing 201 new plants (22 of which were Maltese native species), including trees, shrubs, herbs, and horticultural plants. These interventions revitalised underused grounds into multifunctional spaces that can serve as outdoor classrooms, parent waiting areas, or quiet retreats.

Importantly, the process directly involved children, who actively participated in planting, nurturing environmental awareness and stewardship from an early age. By combining ecological gains with educational and social benefits, the intervention has created living classrooms that enrich both biodiversity and community life.

More data for health and well-being

VARCITIES implemented structured surveys with nearly 400 residents of Gżira, representing a statistically valid sample of the local population. Using recognised tools such as the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the WHO Quality of Life instrument (WHOQOL-BREF), the surveys assessed physical and mental health, residential satisfaction, attachment to place, and lifestyle habits. Results showed overall stability, with modest improvements in perceived quality of life and health indicators, alongside persistent challenges linked to overdevelopment, noise, and limited green space.

Qualitative surveys were also collected, giving depth and highlighting recurring concerns revolving around overdevelopment, lack of green space, pollution and noise, as well as positive feelings around local identity and community attachment.

Air quality monitoring

A network of ten wall-mounted sensors was deployed to monitor air quality in real time, involving residents directly in data collection. These devices measured pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, NO₂, SO₂, CO, and O₃, generating detailed datasets benchmarked against EU thresholds.

Findings revealed several exceedances of particulate matter, underlining the continuing challenge of air pollution in the area. Beyond the data, the participatory nature of the monitoring empowered citizens to engage with local environmental challenges, making air quality not just a scientific measure but a community concern.

Increased and improved participation

Community involvement was a cornerstone of the Gżira pilot. While initial workshops attracted limited representation, innovative approaches such as pop-up events, participatory exhibitions, and citizen science activities significantly expanded engagement.

Over 1,200 individuals participated in co-creation, from shaping interventions to engaging with scientific monitoring and educational activities. This process not only broadened the base of participation but also deepened trust, ownership, and awareness among residents, ensuring that the Visionary Solutions reflected local needs and perspectives.

The Gżira pilot shows how nature-based innovation, citizen science, and community-driven design can reshape everyday urban life. These interventions brought cultural programming, nature, and social life directly into neighbourhoods, making recreation and culture part of everyday experience along Rue d’Argens.